Expression help - left align one shape to another

Question

I am newer to expressions, and having a difficult time getting one shape layer to left align to another.

I found this tutorial that how to have shapes automatically change based on the text typed over them. In my project, I will have two shapes stacked on top of each other, each with their own text inside them. Due to the text, each shape will be a different width from the other. I would like to get the two shape layers to automatically left align with each other (or the shape on top to align with the shape on the bottom - whatever is easier) no matter how wide the text is.

Does anyone happen to know how to do that?

Kyle Hamrick · Accepted Answer

This is absolutely possible, but I will point out that both text layers and shape layers have some additional internal stuff going on that you have to account for when building.

Based on your description, the easiest solution is probably to simply use the "2D Text Box (Shape) preset that comes installed with After Effects. All you have to do is then set the desired text layer under this new shape layer's Effect Controls. It's already built to adapt to the alignment of your text, as well as set itself to the text layer's position, so it should do exactly what you're after.

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